Moscow mule
A Moscow mule is a popular cocktail made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice, served in a copper mug. The drink was first created in the 1940s and has since become a classic cocktail that is enjoyed by many.
Moscow mule recipe
- 4.5 cl (9 parts) vodka
- 1 cl (2 parts) lime juice
- 12 cl (24 parts) ginger beer
Combine vodka and ginger beer in a highball glass filled with ice. Add lime juice. Stir gently. Garnish.
Build a crisp Moscow Mule in a copper mug
- Fill a chilled copper mug generously with fresh ice, ideally solid cubes that melt slowly and keep the drink sharp rather than watery.
- Pour in the vodka first so it settles evenly through the ice. Add the lime juice next; freshly squeezed juice gives the drink a brighter, cleaner snap.
- Top with ginger beer, leaving a little room at the top so the drink can be stirred without losing carbonation.
- Give it one brief, gentle stir—just enough to combine the citrus, spirit, and ginger beer. Over-stirring will flatten the fizz.
- Taste if you like: if it feels too sharp, add a touch more ginger beer; if it feels too soft, a small squeeze of lime will tighten it up.
- Garnish with a lime wedge or wheel. A sprig of mint is optional, but it adds a fresh aroma that works especially well with the spicy ginger.
What the Moscow Mule tastes like
A Moscow Mule is light, fizzy, and cold, with a clean vodka base that lets the ginger beer do most of the talking. The lime adds a tart edge that keeps the sweetness in check, while the ginger brings peppery heat and a slightly earthy finish. It is refreshing rather than boozy, which is part of why it became such a durable crowd-pleaser.
Why the copper mug matters
The copper mug is more than a visual trademark. It chills quickly and makes the drink feel extra cold in the hand and on the lips, which heightens the Mule’s refreshing character. If you do not have one, a highball glass works perfectly well, but the copper vessel is a big part of the classic experience.
A short origin story
The Moscow Mule is generally traced to the United States in the 1940s, most often linked to Los Angeles. The most widely accepted story connects a vodka distributor, a ginger beer producer, and a seller of copper mugs who helped popularize the drink together. Some details vary depending on the source, but its role in boosting vodka’s profile in America is widely repeated.
Easy zero-proof Mule
For a non-alcoholic version, skip the vodka and use extra ginger beer with fresh lime over ice. If you want more body, add a splash of chilled soda water or a non-alcoholic spirit alternative. Keep the copper mug, the lime garnish, and the cold temperature—the style still works beautifully without alcohol.